A promising young seamer, Max Osborne made his way through Essex's youth system before his good work during pre-season nets in 2009 brought him to the attention of the club coaches. A season in the Essex Academy playing for the Second XI was the result, and in 2010 Osborne was awarded a two-year professional contract. His first-class debut came against the touring Bangladeshis at Chelmsford in May that year, and in September he was one of a number of youngsters to make their Championship debuts in the final match of the season against Durham.Liam Brickhill June 2011